Find information on available behavioral health and family support services in Connecticut and learn about related initiatives contributing to children’s mental and emotional well-being.
Family Resources
Families looking for a mental health provider can start by talking with their pediatrician or calling 2-1-1 or visiting https://uwc.211ct.org/categorysearch/mental-health.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides rapid 24/7 access to trained staff who can help people experiencing suicidal, substance use and other mental health crises, provide referrals to resources, and perform warm transfers to youth and adult mobile crisis services or emergency services.
United Way 211
2-1-1 is your one-stop connection to the Connecticut local services you need, from finding a mental health provider to getting help with utility assistance, food, housing, child care, and much more.
Mobile Crisis (formerly EMPS)
Free help for youth and children in crisis. A mental health professional can respond immediately by phone or face to face within 45 minutes when a child is experiencing an emotional or behavioral crisis.
Prevent Suicide CT
Suicide prevention resources, news, free print materials, promotional items, and ways to get involved in Connecticut.
CONNECT4Families Toolkit
The Connect4Families Toolkit helps families, providers, and schools collaborate and connect children to behavioral health services and supports in Connecticut.
Connect to Local Supports and Services
Find services and connect to a community collaborative near you.
Kids Mental Health Info
Information and resources for parents and caregivers to understand their child’s mental health issues and find selected evidence-based mental health treatments for children in Connecticut.
Turning Point CT
Information to guide your search for mental wellness developed by young people in Connecticut who are in recovery from mental health and substance use issues.
We Are CT
WeAreCT is a joint initiative between the CT Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services and the CT Department of Children and Families to more easily connect residents to resources for prevention, mental health and substance use recovery.
CT Evidence-Based Practices Directory
This searchable directory lists providers of some evidence-based treatments available in Connecticut for children and families with behavioral health needs.
CT Connecting to Care
The Connecting to Care website is designed to help families understand care options, find local community collaboratives, and connect to care coordination and appropriate services.
FAVOR Connecticut
Information, assistance, and training for families with children who have medical, mental, emotional, and behavioral health challenges.
Get Crisis Help 24/7
When in Connecticut, CALL 988 or 211
From anywhere, CALL the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988
From anywhere, TEXT the Crisis Text Line: 741741
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a network of more than 200 state and local call centers across the country. Connecticut’s 988 Contact Center services include rapid 24/7 access to trained crisis contact center staff who can help adults and children experiencing suicidal, substance use and other mental health crises, provide referrals to resources, and perform warm transfers to mobile crisis services or emergency services as needed/desired. For more information about 988 visit: www.preventsuicidect.org/get-help/ct-988/.
Related Statewide Initiatives
The following examples of state-run initiatives are part of our collective effort to support the well-being of children, youth, and their families.
Connecticut Family First
Connecticut’s Family First plan offers opportunities for the State to strengthen and expand prevention services, family supports, and evidence-based trauma treatments for children.
AccesS, Screening and Engagement, Recovery Support, and Treatment (ASSERT)
ASSERT focuses on improving treatment for adolescents and young adults (ages 12-21) with substance use disorders with or without co-occurring mental health disorders.
Connecticut Early Psychosis Learning Health Network
The Connecticut Early Psychosis Learning Health Network is a statewide initiative dedicated to improving outcomes for individuals and families impacted by recent onset psychosis.
CT Stay Strong
A state and municipal initiative to connect young adults who have or are at risk for significant behavioral health disorders to high-quality care through the use of Wraparound Services.
Project AWARE (Advancing Wellness and Resilience in Education)
Project AWARE utilizes a comprehensive, trauma-informed, multi-tiered system of supports to address mental and behavioral health in schools.
School-Based Diversion Initiative (SBDI)
SBDI is a school-based initiative that reduces arrests, suspensions and expulsions and connects students to behavioral health services and supports.
